SoF Week 4

TUESDAY - We were off to see Gram Mac and the family. So we thought that we would try something different this time with getting to the airport. We started with getting a ride to DART and taking DART to downtown.

We then transferred to the TRE, which was a double-decker train and Kenzi loved it!

From the TRE we took two buses to get to the airport.
We then took two airplanes to get to Tampa.

Here is Kenzi on the Shuttle rail that takes you from you terminal to baggage claim.

And then we took a car to Gram Mac's house.

I thought it was so cool that we were taking so many modes of transportation. I thought it would even be cooler for her to take a boat, but no such luck. And with the exception of the shuttle rail, Kenzi rode everything twice. So fun!

So while we were waiting at the airport we were able to look at an exhibit. It featured jewelry that an artist did. Kenzi thought this one was funny how the head was a whole bunch of flowers. Oh the things that amuse us when we are small!

WEDNESDAY - We took it easy this day and went swimming at Gram Mac's pool. This is where our little girl turned fish! Well a flying fish in this picture!

Every night Kenzi gets a story as part of her bedtime routine. She learned really fast that if Gram Mac read to her she would get anywhere from 2 to 4 stories read to her. And of course Curly Bear and Duke had to get on the bed for story time too!

THURSDAY - We went to Mote Aquarium today. It is a great place to visit if you ever find yourself near Sarasota. We took a boat tour where we saw some dolphins. You can see Manatees too if they are around.

This is Kenzi looking at the aquarium on the boat. They put a net in the water and see what they get. It was great because they let people hold anything that was safe.

There is an island where we got off the boat and were told about the vegetation. Kenzi actually did not want to get off the boat. But after Gram Mac asked her to hold her hand things seemed to be better for her.

There are three small islands that people are not allowed on and so the birds habitat there. We saw a lot of Pelican babies among other birds.

Kenzi deciding to take a rest.

This is a crab that was VERY pregnant. Needless to say we did not hold it because the Marine Biologist said it was pretty mad at us for taking it away from home. It was interesting to see the red pouch that was big and full of babies.

Kenzi liked this one but still would not hold it. This is a Sea Urchin. It was trippy to hold.

"Quick get a picture, she is holding this one!" The Sea Star was the only creature she would hold. She did like the trip even though she would not hold anything.

After the boat ride we went and tried to pet some sting rays, saw a Giant Squid that was sealed and later she informed Aunt Joy and Uncle Len that it was not a zombie and it stayed in its case.

Kenzi's favorite was seeing the Dolphins. These are two dolphins that came from the Medical center for Dolphins, Whales, and Manatees. They will not be released into the wild. Here the trainer is try to get them to swim a certain way. So she was doing it and they were mimicking.

I want to say this one is Harley.

Kenzi also liked the turtles. One of the turtles is blind and kept swimming along the wall. Kenzi thought that was funny. Here she is trying to get a turtle shell on her back.

Here we are waiting for the boat. I got the hat to hopefully help not get sunburned and what do you know, it worked!

FRIDAY - This was the first time we came to see Great Goog. We took her to her favorite restaurant - McDonald's. Of course, Kenzi was all in and felt a connection as soon as she found out that Goog has the same favorite restaurant.

Here is Goog and Kenzi with Great Goog's work. She is known as the craft lady where she lives. So there were quite a few places where we got to see what Goog had done. It really is a nice facility. Everyone we met was so nice.

So with Facebook being so nice to get back in touch with old friends - Carter asked if anyone wanted to get together and a couple did. I have to say, It was SOOO nice to meet his old friends. They are so great and fun! From left to right is Deanna, her husband Rick, Melody's husband Matt, Melody, and of course, Carter. Seriously gang, we will have to do it as often as we can! Love you guys!

SATURDAY - We went to visit Great Goog. We brought a puzzle with us that she could help us do. It was so wonderful to see Goog, Kenzi, Carter, and Gram Mac all work on it. I am pretty sure Kenzi will remember this for a long time! We love you Goog!

The group very proud of the finished project.

We had a wonderful visit with the family. I will post the rest of our trip in next weeks post of SoF Week 5. I hope you enjoyed, we surely enjoyed making the memories! Kari

SoF Week 3

TUESDAY - We met up with Sophie, Rhys, & Keri and went to the fountain at the The Village, Fairview. Of course I asked Kenzi if she wanted to go and she is ALWAYS in when it comes to water. She had a great time that she did not want to go, but was still good so she could go the next time a water filled opportunity came!

Rhys not liking crawling on the cement so he took this really quick!

FRIDAY - So as far as Friday went we pretty much stuck at home. Though that night Carter took me to dinner and to "Wicked". While we did not bring Kenzi with us she had a wonderful time with Shanette. She never gets disappointed when we say we are going out because she knows that means that Shanette is coming over!

Us on DART to dinner.

We ate at Urban Taco. It was pretty good. Nice atmosphere too!

After the show we looked at some displays they had. And I HAD to sit in this chair. It looked to comfy not to!

Carter and I at the Music Hall, Fair Park. It was a very nice venue!

Me SOOOOOO excited that I got to see "Wicked". It was phenomenal! I highly recommend! The singing was absolutely stunning!

SATURDAY - Kenzi had a birthday party to go to and Carter took us to see Toy Story 3. Loved the movie and Kenzi had a great time at the party. It was at Pump it Up. Which is a building filled with inflatables. As far as I am concerned, during the summer that is the only way to play... INSIDE!

So there was a huge slide! And Kenzi made the attempt a few times to go up by herself and then I offered to go with her. You can see how that turned out!

No go!

This was another slide which was not as steep. She was OK with this one.

Carter: "So Kenzi if you go on the big Slide you can have this quarter!" (Per my suggestion) Kenzi: "no."

Carter: "OK how about I sweeten the deal and you can have a whole dollar!" Kenzi: "No."

Maya, the birthday girl, and Kenzi. Notice the hair is completely out!

Video of the Pump it Up fun!

SUNDAY - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the daddies in our lives! I think Carter had a great day. He will have to be the one that confirms that. But anyway, he got breakfast in bed, lunch and his favorite dinner. He also got a GREAT playtime with Kenzi, her bat cave and Carter's father's day prezzie from her - Green Lantern and his jet.

"We love daddy!"

Another great week! Seriously we have such an awesome life! Enjoy!